My friend Bill loves a good axe, especially one that anyone could make, use and afford. He terms such a tool 'democratic'.
He's always investigating old tools (and new ones) wherever he can find them and tinkering with ideas and designs of his own, making adjustments and improvements.
This is the newest version of his most democratic axe, which he thinks is better than the one in his book "A Handmade Life".
He's always investigating old tools (and new ones) wherever he can find them and tinkering with ideas and designs of his own, making adjustments and improvements.
This is the newest version of his most democratic axe, which he thinks is better than the one in his book "A Handmade Life".
It turns out I really like it and enjoyed using it,
although I admit that when I first saw it I thought it might be awkward to handle.
It has a good weight and balance.
Bill has worked a slight curve in the blade from the tip to the toe of the cutting edge.
He used an old plow blade, which he cut with a hack saw to the right size and shape. The plow blade was fairly soft tempered steel.
(even so - I'm sure it took some time and determination).
He was able to pound the curve into it without heating the steel and he beveled the cutting edge with a file.
although I admit that when I first saw it I thought it might be awkward to handle.
It has a good weight and balance.
Bill has worked a slight curve in the blade from the tip to the toe of the cutting edge.
He used an old plow blade, which he cut with a hack saw to the right size and shape. The plow blade was fairly soft tempered steel.
(even so - I'm sure it took some time and determination).
He was able to pound the curve into it without heating the steel and he beveled the cutting edge with a file.
It's a standard 12 ounce claw hammer (but almost any hammer could work) and a heavy duty stainless steel hose clamp for the attachment to the hammer handle. The head of the hammer gives its weight to the axe blade.
No need for a blacksmith's forge to make this tool, very democratic indeed, anyone could make it and have two tools in one.
No need for a blacksmith's forge to make this tool, very democratic indeed, anyone could make it and have two tools in one.